Iceberg lettuce is classic, sure.
You absolutely need it for standard cookout burgers or old-school tacos (especially ones with the crunchy shell).
And you cant have a solid sub or hoagie sandwich without it.
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But its not, well,coolin the wellness world.
Probably not, because iceberg has gotten a pretty bad rap.
So how warranted is icebergs lowly standingif at all?
Is iceberg lettuce good for you or not?
Should you actively avoid it in favor of kale or romaine every single time a salad opportunity comes up?
These are important questions that demand thoughtful and serious answers.
Whats wrong with iceberg lettuce?
First of all: Iceberg doesnt actually have anythingwrongwith it.
So lets reframe that question to be a little less accusatory, shall we?
Reason one: Yes, its true that iceberg lettuce is less nutritionally dense than other lettuces.
Department of Agriculture(USDA).
Well talk more about comparing iceberg lettuce nutrition to its rival greens in a minute.
Whats the difference between iceberg lettuce and regular lettuce?
Its in the micronutrient department that iceberg lettuce nutrition starts to diverge.
In general, it doesnt pack a nutritional punch like darker greens do, Largeman-Roth explains.
The dark leafy greens contain more nutrients, like iron, magnesium, folate and fiber.
A quick look at the numbers confirms this.
Take veritable nutritional powerhousekale, for instance.
On the whole, pretty much any other green will have a greater concentration of micronutrients than iceberg.
What are the benefits of iceberg lettuce?
All of this might make it sound like iceberg is losing the battle of the leafy greens.
Iceberg lettuces high water content makes it super hydrating, Feller says.
A big iceberg salad might be especially refreshing and hydrating on a sweltering summer day.
And when youre aiming toget the recommended 25 to 30 grams daily, every little bit counts, right?
Iceberg lettuce benefits extend beyond the nutritional value too.
Namely, it has a mellow and mild taste, which makes it more appealing to some people.
Iceberg lettuce can also help add volume and texture to dishes, making them more satisfying overall.
Also, its pretty affordable.
Which kind of lettuce is healthiest?
So, weve covered the fact that all lettuce is good, iceberg included.
Theres not necessarily one perfect pick.
Variety in your diet is really the foundation for overall health, Largeman-Roth says.
Some of the most potent salad picks include spinach, watercress, kale, escarole, and radicchio.
(And no matter what kind of greens you go with, dont skip the dressing.
Sources
1.Nutrients, Lutein and ZeaxanthinFood Sources, Bioavailability and Dietary Variety in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Protection
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